Using Rapid Research to Develop a National Strategy to Assist Families Affected by AIDS in Tanzania.
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Date
1997
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Abstract
Although information on African family adaptation to the AIDS epidemic is critical to planning and
managing government, donor and NGO programs of assistance, current knowledge is limited to a small
number of research studies. An AIDS prevention project in Tanzania undertook a rapid national assessment
to identify the major problems for families in Tanzania in adapting to the epidemic. The methodology used
for the work was distinct from prior studies: the research covered a wide cross-section of Tanzanian
population groups to gauge the extent of ethnic, urban–rural and regional variation; it was rapid and
qualitative, to gather data on broad trends in a short time; and it was designed in co-operation with policymakers
so they could understand the approach being used and were receptive to the findings. The study
identified common problems in AIDS care, counselling and survivor assistance. Many of the problems for
families with AIDS have their origin in poverty and changes in African family structures over the past 20
years, which African demographers are just beginning to describe. Stresses arising from these changes are
now being aggravated by AIDS, but families with sufficient resources, whether female or male-headed, are
coping better than those without.
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Citation
Hunter, S., Kaijage, F., Maack, P., Kiondo, A. and Masanja, P., 1997. Using rapid research to develop a national strategy to assist families affected by AIDS in Tanzania. Health Transition Review, pp.393-420.